SHORELINE — City Council members talked economics at the Oct. 18 Council workshop meeting, debating whether or not to fill the vacant economic development coordinator position or establish an economic development committee.
Before the Council’s discussion, citizens were able to comment on the issue, thanks to new rules that allow the public to address the Council before agenda items.
Rick Stephens of the Shoreline Merchants Association said there has not been enough planning for the position. The city has spent $1 million so far on the position since the city incorporated, he said, and he was disappointed that the Merchant’s Association has not been invited to provide input on the situation. He was also displeased with the city’s interaction with Forward Shoreline.
“It was disappointing to us,” Stephens said, “that you had already signed a contract with Forward Shoreline.”
Resident LaNita Wacker said that when she ran for a seat on the City Council nine years ago, she proposed an economic development council. She said since none of the Council members are economists, she thinks they need to hire a specialist.
“If you are ailing, you seek information from a doctor,” Wacker said. “I suggest you hire a trained economist, I don’t think you are qualified.”
Alan Sharrah, director of operations at Frank Lumber Co., said more work needs to be done before filling the vacant position of economic director. There are many good parts of the plan, he said, but work was still needed.
“This will only be possible if we develop a plan,” Sharrah said. “And then hire a manager and implement it into the future.”
Council member Rich Gustafson favored hiring an economic board coordinator, saying it was important to bring in someone with expertise.
Council member Bob Ransom, however, said that after eight years, the city does not have an economic development committee and he dislikes the results.
“We need an economic committee and then to hire a coordinator,” Ransom said. “I want to try a different technique.”
Council member Scott Jepsen favored hiring someone for the position, who could then make a recommendation to the Council.
Council member John Chang recommended staff assess other area cities that have development committees.
“I do not want to waste money and would like to have a strategic plan in place,” Chang said. “So the economic coordinator can have something to work with.”
Council member Paul Grace favored hiring a professional to advise the Council.
“We need to look for someone who has this experience,” Grace said. “That is the type of person we need.”
Council member Maggie Fimia, however, said she could not support hiring someone until a strategy is determined.
“I would not hire an architect and say I want a three-bedroom, two-bath house,” Fimia said. “I would be more specific than that.”
Fimia also said she did not know why the city previously contracted with Forward Shoreline in May. She wondered why the director of that organization could not design a plan for the city.
No action was taken. The Council will further discuss the issue of economic development at the Monday, Oct. 25 Council meeting.
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